Shawn Thornton gets two-year deal with Panthers

Shawn Thornton was hoping to find a two-year deal to close out his playing career when the Bruins announced they would not be re-signing him last month.

By Dan CagenDaily News staff

Shawn Thornton was hoping to find a two-year deal to close out his playing career when the Bruins announced they would not be re-signing him last month.

It didn't take long for the 36-year-old enforcer to find that on the open market. On the first day of free agency, Thornton signed a two-year deal worth a reported $2.4 million with the Panthers.

The deal is actually a raise for Thornton from the two-year, $2.2 million deal he most recently played on in Boston.

It's part of a busy day for Florida general manager Dale Tallon, who is living up to his reputation for July 1 fireworks. The Panthers have also signed forwards Dave Bolland and Jussi Jokinen and goalie Al Montoya.

Florida was near the top of the list for Thornton's preferred destinations. Tallon and Thornton have a previous working relationship from their time together in Chicago.

Thornton will become Florida's enforcer, replacing old friend and former pugilistic pupil Krys Barch. Thornton will almost certainly be asked to play a leadership role for the young Panthers, including 2013 Calder Trophy winner Jonathan Huberdeau and defenseman Aaron Ekblad, the No. 1 pick in last week's draft.